New goalkeeper injury trial in League One could benefit Leicester City this season | OneFootball

English football will trial a new goalkeeper injury rule in 2026/27 to curb timewasting, a change that could aid Leicester City in League One.

Pro Ref said IFAB has approved the trial across the men’s and women’s professional game in England, with the Premier League, EFL, FA, National League, WSL and Pro League backing it.

When a goalkeeper receives treatment, the head coach has 10 seconds to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for at least one minute after play restarts. If no one is named, the referee will send off that team’s captain for the same period. The measure targets tactical stoppages that break momentum.

Exceptions apply if a free-kick follows a foul on the goalkeeper and treatment is immediate, if the keeper and an outfielder collide and both need attention, or if the keeper is bleeding.

The rule will be used for the first time in this weekend’s Carabao Cup preliminary round, ahead of next week’s first round ties. Leicester host League Two Northampton next Saturday.

In League One, where City are likely to dictate games, the tweak could help Russell Martin’s side sustain pressure against opponents looking to slow things down.

The trial is set to run all season while under review by the authorities and IFAB. Last term saw the goalkeeper eight-second rule adopted. This season adds a five-second countdown for delaying throw-ins or goal kicks, and a 10-second limit for players to leave the pitch when substituted.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk